ASSOCIATE PRESS SECRETARY

Job Overview
The Office for Press Relations & Press Communications is recruiting for one Associate Public Information Specialist Level II to serve as an Associate Press Secretary. Applicants must be permanent in the Associate Public Information Specialist civil service title, or eligible under 6.1.9 title change, or be immediately reachable on exam no. 3086.

Key Responsibilities

Manage rapid response communication tasks and ensure accurate dissemination of information aligned with agency objectives, responding to media inquiries within requested or negotiated deadlines

Draft media advisories, press releases, and communications products, implementing edits and revisions through the drafting process, obtaining appropriate reviews and approvals

Communicate with the Mayor’s press office, press staff across city agencies

Plan and staff press events, collaborate with external partners, city agencies, and the Mayor's Office; develop event messaging, coordinate with agency staff, and execute local reporter pitch strategy

Research and update media lists, manage media databases, and distribute DHS press releases

Hours / Schedule: Mon‑Fri, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Minimum Qualifications

A master’s degree in journalism or public relations from an accredited college

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and one year of full‑time satisfactory experience in public relations, journalism, or advertising

An associate degree or completion of 60 credits from an accredited college and two years of full‑time satisfactory experience in public relations, journalism, or advertising

Education and/or experience equivalent to any of the above. All candidates must have at least 60 credits from an accredited college.

For Assignment Level II: After meeting the minimum requirements for Assignment Level I, individuals must have at least one additional year of full‑time experience in public relations, journalism, or advertising.

Preferred Skills

Experience in politics and/or government

Experience interfacing with media and journalists, media literacy

Writing, composition, editing skills, proficiency in grammar

Familiarity with Microsoft products (Word, Outlook, etc.)

General knowledge of New York City (geography, politics, etc.)

Familiarity with professional communications materials (press releases, remarks, op‑eds, advisories, event briefings, etc.)

Research skills

Attention to detail

Ability to analyze, summarize, and visualize data

Experience working with reporters and responding to inquiries (existing relationships in media a plus)

Experience developing or drafting strategic media and communications plans

Interest in research, messaging, and policy advocacy

Experience coordinating across organizations and collaborating on complex projects with a range of stakeholders

Quantitative skills preferred

55(a) Program
This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55‑a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Prospective employees may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, visit https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. City employees who have worked continuously for two years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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